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Wednesday, May 21

Q&A: Tiger’s Left Knee Carries Weight of Golf World

Tiger's Left Knee in action. (Honeyfield/Flickr)

IN A RARE AND REVEALING INTERVIEW, Tiger Woods' Left Knee told ARMCHAIR GOLF about its recovery from a third surgery and the multiple pressures that come with supporting the world’s greatest golfer. Q: First of all, how are you feeling?LEFT KNEE: I have my good days and bad days, but overall I think I’m getting stronger.

Q: This was your third surgery. Did the fist-pump celebration during the final round of last year’s PGA Championship exacerbate the problem?

LEFT KNEE: No comment.Q: It really looked like Tiger was limping after that.

LEFT KNEE: I was told there wouldn’t be any fist-pump questions.

Q: Can you talk about Tiger’s swing and how it affects you?LEFT KNEE: Well, you’ve seen him. Tiger has the mother of all golf swings. The torque is absolutely incredible. It gives me a sharp twinge just thinking about it. No knee is designed for that.Q: What’s the hardest part about being Tiger Woods’ Left Knee?LEFT KNEE: There’s the physical aspect, certainly, but there’s also the weight of everyone’s expectations. He’s playing for the record books and immortality. That’s a pressure very few knees ever experience. I also know that no matter how hard I train and how much pain I endure, I can be replaced.

Q: Does the fact that Tiger was just named fittest guy in America create added pressure?LEFT KNEE: Didn’t see it, but no.Q: Do you ever wish you were just a normal left knee for, say, a claims adjuster or a florist?

LEFT KNEE: Sure. I think all knees of great athletes have moments when they dream of a normal life. Look at Mickey Mantle, Joe Namath, Larry Bird. The list of greats with highly pressured knees is very long. I’m not the first, nor will I be the last. But in the end you have to work with the person you’re given.Q: How do you keep going? Where does your inspiration come from?LEFT KNEE: I take it a day at a time. Do the PT. Get my rest. I really hope Tiger is done with the running. That’s a killer. As far as inspiration, I look to the greats. In golf, all of us lower extremities pretty much worship Hogan. I mean, my God, his legs were totally mangled from that car accident and he came back and not only walked again but won six majors. It’s incredible (sniffling). Sorry, I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional.

Q: It’s OK.LEFT KNEE: Are we about done?Q: Yeah. One last question. When will you be back? At the Memorial or the U.S. Open?LEFT KNEE: Not sure. That’s Tiger’s call. But I hope Memorial.Q: Why sooner?LEFT KNEE: It’s always great catching up with Jack’s hip. The right one, not the replacement.Q: I see. Thanks for taking the time.LEFT KNEE: My pleasure.Related:Tiger's Left Knee Speaks on U.S. Open Prep

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